SPELD Qld Inc. was formed in 1969 by parents who were concerned about the academic progress of their children in school. Today Speld Qld Inc. is a charitable, not for profit association of parents and professionals dedicated to helping children and adults who have specific learning disabilities or specific learning difficulties.

Mission Statement: “That all Queensland people with specific learning disabilities or specific learning difficulties will receive educational, social and employment opportunities which will allow for outcomes commensurate with their potential and their personal input.”

Position Statement: “The following is our response to the Coalition`s intent to fund disability.

Whilst the Federal Coalition proposal to fund more severely disabled students in schools is commendable, it fails to recognise those with Specific Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia, also need improved funding. These students have enormous potential for learning if their difficulties are diagnosed and appropriate intervention provided and maintained. Speld Qld Inc ( The association for students with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities) is committed to improving human and material resources in schools, as well as improving the professional development of teachers in the area of LD., and calls upon all parties in the current elections to consider this much underfunded and under-resourced group in our schools.”

Events Calendar For 2011

Include and Impact

(Challenging Learning in a National Environment)

Joint Conference 2011

(LDA/LSTAQ/SPELD)

Call for Papers and Workshops

The Biennial 2011 Joint Conference for Learning Difficulties hosted by SPELD, LSTAQ and LDA is planned for 16 – 17 September 2011. This conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In past years, up to 300 attendees ranging from academics and classroom practitioners through to parents have attended these conferences. A “hands on” approach which is supported by keynote speakers has proven successful.

For 2011, the theme for the conference will be “Include and Impact”. The conference will consist of both formal presentations and a series of interactive workshops. The Joint Planning Committee is seeking submissions that align with this theme. Typical topics include, but are not restricted to, theory and practice in the following areas:

• Learning support in a National Curriculum environment
• The impact of  the National Curriculum on Literacy and Numeracy instruction and support
• Effective inclusive practices in primary classrooms and schools
• Effective inclusive practices in middle and secondary schools
• Effective use of assistive technology in inclusive classrooms for students with LDs
• Evidence-based instructional practices: Numeracy instruction and support
• Evidence-based instructional practices: Literacy instruction and support
• Adapting curriculum for students with LDs: Universal Design for Learning or Differentiated Instruction
• The role of assessment in an inclusive classroom

We welcome submissions directed at issues of current and local importance as well as topics which may have a wider interest.

The Joint Planning Committee will select papers and workshops based on their potential to enhance learning for practitioners as well as parents. All papers and workshop notes will be published in the conference proceedings and association web sites for use by members. There will not be a peer review of papers.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions should include an extended abstract (approximately 300 to 500 words) and a brief personal biography (not more than 300 words). They should also clearly indicate preferred format. If submitting a workshop, you should send an outline of the workshop.

For planning purposes, those presenting papers may select sessions of either 40 minutes (presentation format) or 90 minutes (workshop format). The final 10 minutes of a session (presentation or workshop) should be reserved for questions. All submissions should be sent electronically in using the attached proforma to the Conference Coordinator at conference@lstaq.asn.au

Papers: A 40 minute presentation includes 10 minutes for questions. This enables a short break (5 minutes) between presentations. Papers should present original contributions in this area.

Workshops: A 90 minute interactive workshop which focuses on converting theory into practice within the themes of the conference. It will generally provide a more thorough coverage of a topic.

Speaker Incentives
Presenters of papers and workshops will receive one free registration to the conference. Please note that where there are multiple presenters, a reduced registration fee will be charged for each additional presenter. This will include lunch and morning/afternoon teas. No other incentives are offered.

Disclaimer
Please note that the following disclaimer will accompany conference registrations and papers.

The speakers are solely liable for the content of their presentation (including complementary materials). The publishing of this material by the Joint Conference Committee does not represent or imply that the Association in any way endorses or recommends any particular professional services or products offered by the Speaker or an affiliated company. Those attending the conference should not act upon any information or advice that may be given during the conference without independent verification or advice.

Important Dates

Submission of Conference Paper

Name:

Address:

Contact Phone Number:

Email Address:

Title of Presentation:

Type of Presentation:Paper/Workshop/Other

Abstract:: (Limit this to 200 words)

Presenter Biography:

Additional Presenters: (If necessary)

Reference Contacts: (These will be contact if further information is required. Please provide two – 2.) Please provide name and contact details – phone or email.

Download the above "Call for Papers and Workshops" in Microsoft Word format

Events Calendar For 2010

Brisbane Workshops 2010

Cost: $30 for Non-members and $18 for members

Registration starts at 8:45 a.m

Townsville Seminars 2010

The *Workshops could contribute to the 10 Queensland College of Teachers continuing Professional Development Requirements.
A telephone booking (1800 671 114) is essential.